Topical Encyclopedia The concept of the "Pity of God" is a profound theme throughout the Bible, reflecting God's compassionate and merciful nature towards humanity. This divine attribute is often intertwined with His love, grace, and mercy, demonstrating His willingness to forgive and restore those who turn to Him.Old Testament References In the Old Testament, the pity of God is frequently associated with His covenant relationship with Israel. Despite Israel's repeated disobedience, God shows compassion and relents from bringing total destruction. In the book of Judges, we see a cycle of sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance, where God's pity leads Him to raise up judges to save Israel from their enemies. Judges 2:18 states, "Whenever the LORD raised up a judge for them, He was with the judge and saved them from the hands of their enemies as long as the judge lived; for the LORD was moved to pity by their groaning under those who oppressed and afflicted them." The Psalms also reflect on God's pity as an aspect of His character. Psalm 103:13 declares, "As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him." This verse highlights the paternal nature of God's pity, likening it to the deep, nurturing care a father has for his children. Prophetic Literature The prophets often called Israel to repentance, reminding them of God's readiness to show pity and restore them. In Joel 2:13 , the prophet urges, "Rend your hearts and not your garments. Return to the LORD your God, for He is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion—and He relents from sending disaster." Here, God's pity is linked to His graciousness and willingness to forgive, emphasizing His desire for a genuine relationship with His people. New Testament Manifestation In the New Testament, the pity of God is most vividly manifested in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Jesus embodies God's compassion through His ministry, healing the sick, feeding the hungry, and offering forgiveness to sinners. In Matthew 9:36 , it is recorded, "When He saw the crowds, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd." Jesus' actions and teachings consistently reflect the pity of God, reaching out to the marginalized and offering hope to the lost. The parables of Jesus further illustrate God's pity. The Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32) is a poignant example, where the father's compassion and forgiveness towards his wayward son mirror God's readiness to forgive and restore those who repent. Theological Implications The pity of God is not merely an emotional response but is deeply rooted in His character and covenantal faithfulness. It underscores the biblical narrative of redemption, where God's pity leads to action—ultimately culminating in the sacrificial death and resurrection of Jesus Christ for the salvation of humanity. This divine pity calls believers to respond with gratitude, repentance, and a commitment to reflect God's compassion in their own lives. Throughout Scripture, the pity of God serves as a reminder of His enduring love and mercy, offering hope and restoration to a broken world. Nave's Topical Index Isaiah 63:9In all their affliction he was afflicted, and the angel of his presence saved them: in his love and in his pity he redeemed them; and he bore them, and carried them all the days of old. Nave's Topical Index James 5:11 Greek 1653. eleeo -- to have pity or mercy on, to show mercy ... on Definition: I pity, have mercy on. Cognate: 1653 -- to show mercy as defines it, ie as it accords with His truth () which expresses "God's covenant-loyalty ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1653.htm - 8k 1655. eleemon -- merciful Strong's Hebrew 2617. checed -- goodness, kindness... From chacad; kindness; by implication (towards God) piety: rarely (by ... ness), kindly, (loving-)kindness, merciful (kindness), mercy, pity, reproach, wicked thing ... /hebrew/2617.htm - 5k Library Mercy and Pity in the Judgment of God. To Give Alms Aright, we Should Begin with Ourselves, and have Pity ... There is no Ground in Scripture for the Opinion of those who Deny ... The Knight of God Sections ii. , iii. And the Lord Said: "And I Will Bring the ... "Himself is Nearest and Meekest, Highest and Lowest, and Doeth All ... Jesus at the Bier Concerning the Divine Oeconomy and God's Care Over Us, And How we are to Explain the Passages of Scripture which Ascribe to ... The Intercourse of God and his Friend Resources What does the Bible say about empathy? | GotQuestions.orgIf Jesus is our atonement, why did He die at Passover instead of the Day of Atonement? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about toxic relationships? | GotQuestions.org Pity: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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